Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Round of 32 | Preview and Prediction

The knockout rounds will feature some really tough encounters, this being another one of them. Former AFCON champions Ivory Coast will take on a tricky Norway in the Round of 32 on 30th June at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, USA. 

For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.

FIFA WC26 | Round of 32: CIV vs NOR| 22:30 IST, June 30, 2026

Ivory Coast returned to the World Cup stage after a 12-year absence while their opponents Norway qualified after a gap of 28 years, hence qualifying for the knockouts has been a decent achievement for both teams, especially for Norway as they were part of a potential Group of Death. 

The Elephants opened the campaign with a dramatic late win against Ecuador and then faltered, losing to Germany after having taken the lead. However, they defeated newcomers Curaçao to book a place in the RO32. Young RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomandé has impressed upfront along with captain Franck Kessié and Amad Diallo has made a telling impact both as a starter and a substitute.  

As for their opponents, the Vikings had been impressive until they came across France in the last group stage game. Norway first defeated Iraq with a 4-1 scoreline and then narrowly beat Senegal to ensure knockout qualification. Their last game was a humbling by France but it was a dead rubber as both had qualified and therefore, they didn’t put in the same amount of effort in it as the previous two games. Erling Haaland has been exceptional in this World Cup campaign, scoring back-to-back braces. Midfielder and captain Martin Ødegaard and winger Antonio Nusa have been their main creative force. 

Ivory Coast will miss Wilfried Singo due to a hamstring injury while Norway could be without Julian Ryerson who is doubtful with a thigh injury. 

Ivory Coast do possess the attacking talent upfront to trouble Norway but they need to watch out as Norway play an attacking style of football. The Norwegian defence is vulnerable as well but they are more than capable of scoring goals upfront with a lethal Haaland leading the line. 

The Knockout games so far have been all tight encounters, two of them going to penalties with very few goals conceded in regular time. This is going to be another cagey encounter but we believe Norway would edge Ivory Coast to book their place in the RO16. 

Score Prediction: Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway 

Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA